In a significant move towards enhancing the skillset of India’s youth for the future job market, various government agencies, including the Ministries of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, have entered into eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IBM. These agreements will pave the way for the development of meticulously designed courses aimed at equipping Indian youth with future-ready skills. The signing ceremony, held on Wednesday, was presided over by the Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Under these collaborative initiatives, the focus will be on co-creating curriculum content for learners spanning different education levels, including school education, higher education, and vocational skills. The courses will encompass emerging technologies such as AI, cyber-security, cloud computing, and professional development skills, as outlined by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the MoU signing event, Minister Pradhan emphasized that India, with its substantial and youthful population, stands at the brink of remarkable potential. Realizing this demographic advantage hinges on providing the youth with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s modern workforce. He highlighted that this partnership marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of a ‘Skilled India’ and expanding digital skills training in emerging technologies through the IBM SkillsBuild platform. The minister underlined that these collaborations will empower learners to harness technology’s true potential, transforming them into future creators of wealth and entrepreneurs in society.
The collaboration between IBM and the Ministries of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship encompasses three key levels of education. IBM will grant access to digital learning resources available on the IBM SkillsBuild platform to high school students, teachers, and trainers. These resources will focus on cutting-edge skills and will be accessible in schools identified by educational bodies like the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). The program will be delivered through online platforms, webinars, and in-person workshops conducted by IBM’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners.
Furthermore, IBM will revamp the AI curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Additionally, the company will develop specialized curricula in cyber-security and blockchain for high school students, which will be hosted on the IBM SkillsBuild platform.
IBM’s commitment to skill development goes beyond school education. The company will maintain its collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, working closely with the Directorate General of Training and state vocational education and skilling departments. The objective is to onboard job seekers, including long-term unemployed individuals and school dropouts, onto the IBM SkillsBuild platform. Through these initiatives, participants will gain the technical and professional skills needed to reintegrate into the workforce effectively.
These strategic partnerships between the government and IBM signify a strong dedication to preparing the Indian youth for the demands of the ever-evolving job landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped with the skills necessary to contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity in the digital age.
